Preparing a Medical Travel Kit

At some point, every traveler becomes ill, whether it’s a simple viral cold, Travel’s diarrhea, or something more serious.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 70% of travelers will experience some health problem when traveling.

Some simple preparation will make a world of difference when you are afflicted with illness. Nobody wants to be searching for a pharmacy in the middle of the night in a foreign country, and you may not feel well enough to even leave your hotel room. 

Packing a few over-the-counter medicines and supplies can be a lifesaver.

Here’s a List of Over-the-counter Travel Medicines that will Keep You on the Road and Alleviate Some of Your Symptoms

 

Medical Travel Kit 

Mask 

Antidiarrheals (loperamide) 

Pepto Bismol tablets – for upset stomach 

Electrolyte pack – for Traveler’s diarrhea to prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes. 

Sennekot, bulk laxative

Stool softener – like Colace 

Tylenol (acetominophen) – for fever 

Bandaids – for cuts and abrasions 

Antibiotic ointment such as erythromycin or neosporin. 

Medications  – store your regular medications in your carry on luggage to avoid losing them. Bring extra medication and store it in your checked baggage. 

List of medications with dosages, brand/name, diagnosis, and what the medication is taken for. Ideally, with a picture of the capsules, tablets, etc. 

A list of your diagnoses and past medical history. You don’t want your foreign doctor “guessing” on what your diagnoses are. 

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, less than 100 cc 

 

 

Remember, if your symptoms don’t improve in a few days or you get a fever of 101.5, go to the Emergency Room. 

Emergency Room visits in some countries are substantially less than the astronomical prices we pay in the US.

When I was in Thailand, I had to go to the Emergency Room, and it was a positive experience.

Learn more about my Thailand Emergency Room Visit here. 

 

For More Travel Safety and Health Tips:

 

How to Pack a Medical Travel Kit

 

Checking Your Destination for Disease-Free Travel 

 

The Importance of Travel Medicine Doctors

 

Cute, but Dangerous -Staying Away from Stray Animals 

 

Malaria: A Travel’s Guide to Staying Safe 

 

My Thailand Emergency Room Experience